Just so you know...

[wlotus]

Sweet Honey in the Rock rocked Carnegie Hall last night! I love those ladies, especially Ysaye Barnwell. I'm inspired seeing six well-educated--Ysaye is rocking some serious higher education--well-spoken, dignified, black women doing their own thing, not some thing scripted by some corporation and put on them in exchange for a paycheque. That will be me some day...probably not in the performing arts, but definitely doing my own thing in some field, form, and fashion.

You want smooth harmonies? Go buy their new album, yo. You can get it on iTunes, like I just did. (And if I can get past the first song, I'll be able to tell you about the rest of the album. ::hits repeat, again::)

Left to right: Louise Robinson, Aisha Kahlil, Arnae' (did not perform last night), Shirley Childress Saxton, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, and Ysaye Barnwell

Comments

[faerie-spark.livejournal.com]

Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really must thank you for passively introducing me to Sweet Honey's music a couple of years ago.

Of course, my chorus sings some of Sweet Honey's Songs, but it's not the same.

I saw Ysaye at a concert a few weeks ago; she did her song-leading thing, and wow, that's one groovy lady.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

To be honest, when I see how she carries herself, I see who I aspire to be when I reach her age. If that's my future, bring it on!

[iswari.livejournal.com]

She is amazing, definitely my favorite of the ones left. She is just deep and rich on so many levels!

However, I was really missing Bernice Johnson Reagon last night...

What's the new CD like? I may get it off of iTunes.

[iswari.livejournal.com]

BJR actually taught where my brother went to college. I'd have LOVED to take a class with her!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

It is very much geared towards children and youth, lyrics-wise. Some of the songs also have a very strong Christian leaning. But the harmonies are tight and incredibly sweet. I'm still stuck on the first track for that reason. :-)

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you got to see them!!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I was in the 11th row, close enough to see their facial expressions for the first time. (This was my third Sweet Honey concert.) Being able to watch their faces as they interacted with each other, with the audience, and with the music heightened my experience...when I didn't have my eyes closed and was totally lost in the music, that is. :-)

[heronblue.livejournal.com]

They used to be based out of a DC area music school (in an old convent with a dumbwaiter, no less). I was in a chorus there for a few years, so I've been listening to Sweet Honey in the Rock since I was a child. I don't know when they made it, and maybe they've updated it since, but in 1999 I heard a song where they listed off all the women who'd been in the group over the years. The number amazed me... it's astonishing that a group can go that many years and have so many performers and yet still retain the same richness and quality.

I'm always glad when I hear that they're still doing their thing.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

They will celebrate their 35th anniversary next year. Louise and Carol are founding members, and Ysaye has been with them since 1979.

I was impressed when I read Berniece Johnson Reagan's note on the website; she said she was touched that the others would carry on the group's vision even though she would retire. That's how you can tell a group has staying power: when the founder retires or dies, yet the group remains and, as you said, retains its richness and quality.

And to think I grew up not knowing a thing about these women! It's a pity, but I'm glad iswari introduced me to them a few years ago. I've been a rabid fan ever since.

[rockbirthedme.livejournal.com]

When I was in college, I had a chance to go listen to one of their concerts, but I didn't know who they were! So I missed it! Auuuugh! *smacks forehead* And of course I haven't had a chance since.

But I have since acquired some CDs. I love "There Were No Mirrors in my Nana's House." So beautiful in so many ways.